Recipes

South African Grilled Cheese (Braaibroodjie)

May 11, 2017

"You won't find a more authentic braai dish than this," says butcher Andy Fenner, who feeds guests these cheesy sandwiches when they crack their first beers. Braaibroodjie translates to "barbecue bread," and this version stacks slices with cheddar, tomato, onions, and chutney before grilling. The chutney is key: Mrs. Ball's, an iconic brand in South Africa, is made from dried fruits and vinegar, but any sweet and sour chutney will do.

Featured in: The South African Art of Braai

In Cape Town, summer means braai—the unifying tradition of good, old-fashioned, gather-round-the-fire barbecue

Braaibroodjie (Fire-Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Tomatoes and Chutney)

Braaibroodjie translates to "barbecue bread," and this version stacks slices with cheddar, tomato, onions, and chutney before grilling.

Yield: makes 4 sandwiches

Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

8 slices white bread
4 tbsp. (2 oz.) unsalted butter, melted
2 cups grated sharp cheddar (8 1/2 oz.)
1 large tomato, thinly sliced
¹⁄₂ white onion, very thinly sliced
Salt and pepper, to taste
3 tbsp. Mrs. Ball's brand chutney, or another sweet and sour chutney

Instructions

Prepare a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Meanwhile, brush one side of each bread slice with the melted butter.
Lay the bread, buttered side down, on a work surface. Divide the cheese between 4 slices, then top with 1–2 slices tomato and onion; season lightly with salt and pepper to taste. Spread the chutney over the remaining slices of bread, then place them chutney side down atop the sandwiches.
Using a grill basket if desired, grill, turning once, until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted, about 3 minutes per side.